James H. Harrington III, known professionally as Jay Harrington, was born on November 15, 1971. He is an American actor and director from Wellesley, Massachusetts. He is best known for playing Ted Crisp in Better Off Ted and Sergeant Deacon Kay in S.W.A.T.
His career spans more than two decades of television and film.
Who is Jay Harrington?
Jay Harrington is a celebrated American actor and director known for leading roles in major network television productions. He rose to national prominence as the star of ABC’s satirical comedy Better Off Ted in 2009.
That role established him as a skilled comedic and dramatic performer.
He later joined the long-running CBS crime drama S.W.A.T. in 2017, playing Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay across multiple seasons. Per IMDb, he reprised the role in the 2026 series SWAT Exiles, keeping him active in one of his most beloved characters. Furthermore, he has appeared in a wide range of television series and films, including Desperate Housewives, Suits, and American Reunion.
He also has a background in theater and stage work. Additionally, he played Jack in the stage production Boy’s Life and appeared in Off-Broadway productions. Overall, his career reflects a performer who moves comfortably between comedy, drama, and action.
Early Life of Jay Harrington
Jay Harrington was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and grew up in a family connected to the creative arts. His father, Terry Harrington, worked as an actor, and his mother, Judy Harrington, is an author.
That environment nurtured his artistic instincts from an early age.
He has two brothers, Adam and Matt Harrington, both of whom also pursued acting careers. During childhood summers, he spent time on Cape Cod near the Harwich Junior Theatre, where his passion for performance deepened. Furthermore, he excelled in sports including baseball and ice hockey at Wellesley High School.
He graduated from Wellesley High School in 1990 and moved on to university studies. His focus on theater only sharpened from there.
Jay Harrington Age
Jay Harrington is 54 years old as of June 3, 2026, born on November 15, 1971. His zodiac sign is Scorpio, known for intensity, determination, and depth of character. He remains highly active in 2026, reprising his signature role in the new series SWAT Exiles.
Jay Harrington Ethnicity and Nationality
Jay Harrington is American by nationality. He was born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
He is of Irish, English, and Scottish descent, and was raised in the Christian faith.
Jay Harrington Height and Weight
Jay Harrington stands 6 feet tall (1.83 m). His reported weight is approximately 165 lbs (75 kg).
His muscular, athletic build suits his action-oriented roles, particularly his long-running work on S.W.A.T.
Jay Harrington Education
Jay Harrington attended Wellesley High School, where he participated in sports and school theater. He graduated in 1990.
He then enrolled in the theater program at Syracuse University.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Syracuse in 1994. That education gave him the technical foundation for a professional acting career. Furthermore, his time at Syracuse introduced him to the craft and discipline that define his work today.
Jay Harrington Career
Jay Harrington began his acting career in 1998 with guest roles in Pacific Blue and The Pretender. He built his resume steadily through television appearances.
Each role prepared him for what was to come.
He appeared as Dr. Simon O’Keefe in the WB drama Summerland starting in 2004. Additionally, he played FBI Special Agent Paul Ryan in the Fox series The Inside in 2005. Furthermore, he portrayed Steve in the short-lived NBC remake of Coupling.
Better Off Ted and Breakthrough
In 2008, Jay landed a recurring role as Dr. Wyatt Lockhart in ABC’s medical drama Private Practice. That role ran into 2009 and expanded his profile on network television.
Then came his career-defining opportunity.
In 2009, he was cast as the title character Ted Crisp in Better Off Ted, a satirical workplace comedy on ABC. The show ran for two seasons until 2010 and earned him widespread recognition. Furthermore, he appeared as Dr. Ron McCready in Desperate Housewives and reprised that character in the film American Reunion in 2012.
He also appeared in a recurring role on Hot in Cleveland during its fourth season on TV Land. Additionally, he had a two-episode guest role as Mark Meadows in the legal drama Suits in 2017.
S.W.A.T. and Continued Success
In 2017, Jay Harrington joined the CBS crime drama S.W.A.T. as Sergeant David “Deacon” Kay. He appeared in 163 episodes across the series’ run, which continued through 2025.
It became the longest and most prominent role of his career.
Additionally, in 2026, per IMDb, he returned to the character in SWAT Exiles, a new series that extended the story further. Therefore, Jay’s association with the franchise has now spanned nearly a decade. He also remains active in amateur ice hockey and is a member of the Entertainment League, a private celebrity basketball league.
Jay Harrington Wife
Jay Harrington is married to Monica Richards, a television personality and AOL television host. The couple began dating in early 2014 and married on August 28, 2016, in a ceremony held in Santa Monica, California.
They reside in Los Angeles.
Monica is known for her work as a television host and is a consistent presence in Jay’s public life. Additionally, the couple has maintained a private and stable relationship since their wedding. Overall, they represent one of the more quietly enduring partnerships in Hollywood.
Jay Harrington Children
Jay Harrington and Monica Richards have two children together. They have chosen not to publicly disclose their children’s names or personal details.
He has referenced his family positively in interviews over the years.
However, specific details about his children remain not publicly confirmed. He keeps his family life carefully protected from media scrutiny.
Jay Harrington Net Worth
Jay Harrington’s estimated net worth is $3 million as of 2026. His wealth comes primarily from his long career in television and film.
His sustained role in S.W.A.T. over seven seasons contributed significantly.
He also earns through brand endorsements and stage work. Additionally, his consistent presence in network television across more than two decades provides a steady financial foundation. Therefore, his net worth reflects both longevity and versatility as an entertainer.
Jay Harrington Social Media
Jay Harrington maintains a presence on social media. He is active on X (formerly Twitter) at @jayharrington3.
He also connects with fans on Instagram at @jayharrington3.
Furthermore, he uses these platforms to share behind-the-scenes content and updates from his television work. Overall, his social media presence is modest and focused on professional updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jay Harrington’s net worth?
Jay Harrington’s estimated net worth is $3 million as of 2026. His wealth comes from his acting career in film and television.
How old is Jay Harrington?
Jay Harrington is 54 years old as of June 3, 2026. He was born on November 15, 1971.
Who is Jay Harrington’s wife?
Jay Harrington’s wife is Monica Richards, a television personality. They married on August 28, 2016.
What is Jay Harrington’s height?
Jay Harrington stands 6 feet tall (1.83 m). His reported weight is approximately 165 lbs (75 kg).
Where was Jay Harrington born?
Jay Harrington was born in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He is American by nationality.
The Bottom Line
Jay Harrington has built a remarkable career across more than two decades of television and film. He moved from supporting roles to leading man status through persistence and range.
His journey shows the rewards of steady, committed work.
Furthermore, he has anchored two beloved television series across different eras of his career. His story inspires those who believe in building something lasting over time. Each role he takes reflects a performer who approaches his craft with depth and dedication.
Overall, Jay Harrington remains one of television’s most dependable and respected actors. He continues to entertain audiences with new projects in 2026.
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